Jamaat announces 2-day programme

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a two-day programme demanding justice for those responsible for the violence and killings during the October 28, 2006, street clashes in Dhaka involving sticks and oars, commonly known as the 'logi-baitha' violence.

The programme was announced in a statement issued on Sunday (October 25), by the party’s Secretary General and former lawmaker Mia Golam Parwar.

In the statement, Parwar described the violence and killings on the streets of Dhaka on October 28, 2006, as a dark chapter in Bangladesh’s political history. He claimed that the killings and chaos that day had paved the way for two decades of authoritarianism, the erosion of democracy and the curtailment of citizens’ rights.

With the 20th anniversary of the incident approaching, Parwar expressed regret that those responsible had yet to face trial. He urged the government to immediately arrest those allegedly involved in the killings and bring them to justice.

As part of the announced programme, Jamaat will organise a discussion meeting in Dhaka on October 27. The party’s ameer will attend as the chief guest and address the gathering.

On October 28, the party will organise protests, discussion meetings and prayer programmes across the country to press its demand for justice.

The party has called on all its organisational units to ensure the programmes are implemented. Parwar also urged farmers, workers, students and people from all walks of life to support the initiatives.

The October 28, 2006, violence remains a contentious episode in Bangladesh’s political history, and Jamaat’s planned programmes are intended to renew calls for accountability as the 20th anniversary approaches.